Guingona visits House 'detained' party-list solons

Former vice president Teofisto Guingona Jr. and some protestant bishops showed up at the House of Representatives Tuesday to show support to five party-list lawmakers facing arrest for rebellion.

Guingona told reporters he went to see the condition of Bayan Muna Representatives Satur Ocampo, Teodoro Casiño and Joel Virador, Gabriela Women's Party-list Representative Liza Maza, and Anakpawis Representative Rafael Mariano to make sure that they were being given due process.

Guingona proceeded to the office of Ocampo to personally express his support.

The lawmakers did not attend inquest proceedings set by the Department of Justice at the House, until they said a preliminary investigation would be conducted.

Ocampo said there was a gentleman's agreement Monday night between Speaker Jose de Venecia and Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez that they would remain in the custody of the Speaker until warrants of would be issued by the court.

The five have been charged with rebellion for their alleged participation in a conspiracy to oust President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.